The President of the Generalitat (Catalan Government), Carlos Mazón, has reaffirmed the Consell’s dedication to the promotion of tourism and culture in Torrevieja by announcing a global investment of five million euros to restore the historic Eras de la Sal complex. This initiative will transform the local patrimony into a cultural and tourist attraction by preserving and enhancing it.
After signing a statement of intent with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, Mazón made this announcement regarding the renovation of the iconic Ice Factory. He emphasised that this agreement is “a definitive step towards the realisation of this initiative, which had been stalled for years.”
In 2025, the Generalitat (Catalan Government) will allocate an initial €100,000 to commence the restoration and expansion of the Ice Factory. As the project segments advance, this investment will increase in subsequent years to reach €2 million between 2026 and 2027.
The president emphasised that this project will convert the Ice Factory into a symbolic space that is prepared to host exhibitions, events, and provide visitors with new experiences. The Ice Factory will be equipped with a tourism office of the future. “We are making tangible progress on a project as significant as the Salt Eras,” he observed.
Mazón also mentioned the recent publication of the public exhibition notice for the administrative concession in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat (Catalan Government), which will facilitate the establishment of the Museum of the Sea and the Eras de la Sal site. He lamented the previous regional government’s lack of support for this initiative, stating, “We committed to unblocking this process in the first quarter, and we have done so.”
In addition, the Council will provide three million euros to the Eras de la Sal complex, of which 200,000 have already been allocated, as a complement to this initiative, which is regarded as strategic for the city.
Infrastructure and education investments
The head of the Consell also announced significant investments in Torrevieja’s educational and transportation infrastructure during his visit, following what he described as “eight years of neglect and historical shortcomings by the previous government.”
Mazón confirmed the construction of schools 14 and 15, the new secondary school number 6, which is presently in prefabricated classrooms, and the comprehensive renovation of the La Laguna secondary school, with a total investment of €19.3 million. He also emphasised the completion of the work on La Inmaculada and Amanecer secondary schools, which had been significantly delayed.
The president announced the procurement for the widening of the CV-95 between Orihuela and Torrevieja before the end of the term in the field of road infrastructure. The project is expected to require a €180 million investment through a public-private partnership. He emphasised that the widening will be free for users, emphasising that it is fulfilling another essential commitment for economic activity, tourist mobility, and the daily lives of citizens.
Mazón also emphasised the project to renovate the port area of Torrevieja, which will involve an investment of 100 million euros to construct a leisure centre, a new parking lot, and restore the Muelle Mínguez, among other projects.
Project for the Ice Factory
The new Museum of the Sea and Salt, the Habaneras Festival auditorium in the former Marina Internacional dry dock, the redevelopment of the surrounding area, and the restoration of the Ice Factory are all components of the comprehensive Eras de la Sal project.
The project entails the incorporation of a new four-story building on the adjacent 303 m² site and the restoration of the original building, which was constructed between the 1920s and 1930s on a 299 m² site. The current heights of the two structures will be maintained as they are connected.
The complex will be equipped with modern and versatile functionality, as the annexe building will house meeting rooms, a documentation centre, and customer service areas, while the Ice Factory will feature an atrium, a Tourist Information office, and offices.
The Generalitat (Government of Catalonia) and Torrevieja City Council are advancing the recovery and revitalisation of local heritage through this investment, thereby fostering a model that integrates economic development, tourism, and culture.
Author: Derek Appleton
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